Franks began his professional baseball career as a catcher, playing for the St. Louis Cardinals, Brooklyn Dodgers, Philadelphia Athletics, and New York Giants. His playing career was interrupted by World War II, during which he served in the U.S. Navy. After the war, he returned to baseball, but his playing career was relatively short-lived, ending in 1949.
Despite the end of his playing career, Franks remained involved in baseball. He transitioned into coaching, serving as a coach for the New York Giants from 1949 to 1955. During this time, he was part of the coaching staff that led the Giants to a World Series victory in 1954.
In 1956, Franks became the manager of the Salt Lake City Bees, a minor league affiliate of the Giants. He led the team to a Pacific Coast League championship in his first year. His success in Salt Lake City led to his appointment as manager of the San Francisco Giants in 1965.
As manager of the Giants, Franks led the team to four consecutive second-place finishes in the National League from 1965 to 1968. Despite this success, he resigned in 1968 due to disagreements with the team's ownership. He later served as the manager of the Chicago Cubs from 1977 to 1979, but was unable to replicate his earlier success.
Franks also served as a scout and in various front office roles throughout his career. He was known for his keen eye for talent and his ability to develop young players. He played a key role in the development of several future Hall of Famers, including Willie Mays and Juan Marichal.
Despite his many contributions to baseball, Franks was often a controversial figure. He was known for his fiery temper and his confrontational style, which often put him at odds with players, team owners, and league officials. However, his passion for the game and his commitment to winning were never in doubt.
Franks retired from baseball in 1981, but his impact on the sport continues to be felt. He is remembered as a dedicated player, a successful manager, and a passionate advocate for the game of baseball. His career serves as a testament to his love for the game and his commitment to excellence.
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